Maryland Sea Grant Coastal Climate Specialist

UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND

COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES

UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND EXTENSION

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

Title: Agent Associate
Functional Title: Maryland Sea Grant Coastal Climate Specialist
Position Number: 113399
Category Status: Faculty, Non-Tenured, Continuing Contract (This is a Non-State Funded Position)
Unit: AGNR-UME-Maryland Sea Grant Extension
Home Office Location: Wye Research and Education Center, 124 Wye Narrows Drive, Queenstown,
MD 21658
Position Summary/Purpose of Position:
The coastal community specialist will develop, lead and participate in extension programming related to community responses to climate change risks and to planning and development of sustainable coastal communities in Maryland. Maryland Sea Grant plays an important role in Maryland to assist with the development of science-based decision making. This position will strengthen the ability for Marylanders to understand and improve their resilience to natural hazards and respond to changing conditions.  Programming should emphasize stakeholder education and problem-solving assistance to community decision-makers and planners leading to measurable benefits. The specialist will collaborate and coordinate programming with other extension and research faculty in the University System of Maryland.  Further, the specialist will develop partnerships with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Chesapeake and Coastal Service and other appropriate state and federal agencies serving coastal communities.
Position Objectives: To inform communities and increase their knowledge and understanding of
climate change, expected effects of these changes, solutions, and mitigation, conservation, and
adaptation options, to increase coastal community sustainability and resilience.
Responsibilities:
 Conduct periodic needs assessments among various stakeholder groups to determine program
priorities.
 Develop, conduct and evaluate Extension programming for climate-related issues in Maryland and
the region and develop a plan for engagement in these issues.
 Develop climate and coastal resilience related educational resources.
 Work with Maryland and regional partners to design and conduct interdisciplinary applied
coastal climate research and extension projects.
 Participate in the development of grant proposals, and other funding opportunities, to secure
resources for applied climate and sustainability research and extension projects.
 Assist communities in identifying, planning, and implementing climate mitigation and adaptation
strategies to increase resilience, take advantage of new opportunities, and avoid impacts to
infrastructure, ecosystems, and economies.
 Foster a network of professionals with interest and expertise to contribute toward climate
adaptation and mitigation planning.
 Work closely with the existing Sea Grant coastal community network and explore existing
programming approaches applicable to Maryland issues.
 Evaluate programs to assess outcomes and impacts: knowledge gain or skills learned in the short
term, practices improved, intent to change, and economic,environmental and social changes over
time; use information to demonstrate program impacts to relevant agencies and appropriate
reporting.

Agent Associate
Position Number: 113399
Minimum Qualifications:
 Master’s degree in climate, coastal or marine science, community planning, ecology, geography,
or related environmental science field.
 At least two years of experience in education or outreach in related field.
 Demonstrated leadership and management abilities with evidence of being able to work well with
diverse clientele.
 Capacity to work independently in a dynamic and rapidly changing field.
 Familiarity with coastal environments, climate impacts, and mitigation/adaptation practices.
 Evidence of excellent teaching & oral and written communication skills.
 Knowledge and use of computer technology for educational programming, data analysis, survey
collection, and management is required.
 Personal transportation and valid driver’s license required. Must be willing to travel within the state.
 Flexible work schedule required for delivering evening and weekend educational programs
and activities as determined by clientele availability and needs.
 This position is subject to a Criminal History Record Check. Employment iscontingent upon
successful completion and clearance of the Criminal History Record Check.
Physical Demands of the Position:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to
successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
 This position frequently presents information through vocal and written communication to individuals of various ages, socio-economic, and educational backgrounds. The ability to express or exchange ideas vocally is important, as well as the ability to hear and perceive information at normal spoken work levels.
 A routine part of this position's responsibilities would be to transport materials to and from teaching/event locations, including loading and unloading the vehicle. The employee will frequently lift and/or move items weighing up to 20 pounds. Set-up and tear-down of displays, tables, and chairs would be necessary at many teaching sites.
 Team driven, office environment of professional character, competence, and collaboration. Deadline driven in terms of program planning and reporting. This position requires the employee to work outdoors at for programs and events. This may occur during very hot and/or inclement weather.
 Visual acuity is required for preparing and analyzing written or computer data and presentations.
Salary & Benefits:
Salary commensurate with experience, with a base salary of $52,000. The University of Maryland offers an extensive benefits package. The position is a 12-month full-time contract that may be renewed annually, based on performance and funding.
Application Process:
All candidates must apply online at https://ejobs.umd.edu. A complete application packet includes a
cover letter, CV or Resume (uploaded as required resume), unofficial academic transcripts, and three (3)professional references, including name, mailing address, telephone number, and e-mail address.
Closing date: Open until filled. For best consideration please apply by March 18, 2018.
The University of Maryland, College Park, actively subscribes to a policy of equal employment
opportunity, and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, age, sex,
color, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, religion, ancestry or national origin, marital
status, genetic information, political affiliation, and gender identity or expression. Minorities and women are encouraged to apply.